Trading up

Magsthedog

Im thinking of trading up from a three year old Trek which I bought for 500e secondhand (was 800 new) and which has served me well in the few sprint triathlons I did last year. Doing lot more cycling this year so feel I need to trade up. Id probably spend 1500 to 2000 but have no idea where to start. Is making the step from aluminium frame or whatever mine is made from going to make me a lot quicker? What other advantages are there to trading up? Id rather buy from an Irish store than a UK online store so where should I start (I live in Cork) and what brands are considered the best in this price bracket? An important consideration would be something durable as this potential new investment will need to last at least a few years

Lumen

£1500 is a common price point in the UK, which shares a market distribution-wise with Ireland, so you can expect decent mid-range kit for that.

Depends what you mean by "durable". Almost everything on your bike wears out sooner or later.

One approach is to stick with a metal (steel or alu) frame which can be repainted. But you might feel that these options are a bit old tech, and go with Ti, like this Planet-X Ti Pro (cheaper if the medium fits you). Or more expensively (and with lower spec groupsets) some clearance Enigmas.

You get better performance and value for money sticking with carbon. Loads of options, but the big name brands (Trek, Specialized, Bianchi etc) you'll find in local shops are unlikely to be great value for money.

It really depends on your priorities: pretty, light, stiff etc. You're not going to get a top-end superbike for €2k, so you have to compromise on something.

For instance, compare a Bianchi 928 B4P Carbon Mono-Q (Ultegra SL) 2009 from Slane Cycles (known for good value) to a SL Pro Carbon Ultegra 6700 direct from Planet-X. You're paying £750 extra, for what? A pretty frame and some branded wheels.

Dolans might be worth a look - they're nice looking, get good reviews and can be found in shops.

iregk

Question for anyone. Was looking at the SL Pro Carbon Ultegra from planet X and thinking price wise thats a great deal.

The options however I'm not overly sure about. Ok frame, forks, bars etc.. are all disco. Regarding the chainset. Obviously ratio is something to think about and weather i want a 53/39 or a 50/34 however what is the difference between a 170mm and a 175mm. Now don't say abour 5mm

I mean is there significance in that 5mm? Also what would people recommend, the Ultegra 6700 chain or the FSA SLK Prod Carbon?

Lumen

iregk wrote: »

what is the difference between a 170mm and a 175mm...I mean is there significance in that 5mm?

Longer cranks = more leverage, but more knee bend (and therefore higher stress on the knee joint).

Ideal crank length is related to leg length, but there is no consensus about what formula works (and no real evidence of any effect on power). There is some compromise on supposedly ideal values for very short or very tall riders (e.g. due to cornering clearance issues).

Basically, whatever feels right for you. 175mm would normally be used by tall riders (perhaps 5'"11+) and 170mm by shorter riders (perhaps <5'9").

I am barely 6ft and use 172.5mm cranks, mostly out of concern for my knees.

It's really not something to fuss over, since you'll get used to whatever you have.

iregk

Gotcha cheers Lumen. I suppose a good guide is measure whats on the current hardware as I'm completely comfortable with that.

jerryg

This may be of some value to you.
http://www.bikeradar.com/commuting/news/article/bike-of-the-year-the-contenders-20989